Search Car Reviews



See all makes



Run-flat tyre test

The dangers of switching to standard

Fitting standard rubber to cars which are designed to use run-flat tyres compromises safety

Test revealed hazards of replacing run-flats with standard tyres

11th October 2006

In an exclusive Auto Express tye test, we pitched run-flats and standard tyre sets against each other on a wet and dry track.

The results are revealed in full in this week's mag. When we swapped the run-flats for standard rubber on our test BMW 320i a whopping 3.5 metres was added to the car's wet stopping distance! The saloon also took longer to come to a halt on a dry road.

While owners can save up to 20 per cent by replacing run-flats with traditional rubber, the effect on the car's perfor­mance isn't the only reason this cost saving is a false economy. Fitting the wrong tyres to your vehicle could also invalidate your motor insurance.

National Tyre Distributors Associ­ation boss Richard Edy said: "These results reveal the folly of using ordinary tyres as a replacement for run-flats - it's a major safety issue."

Click on the product test link below for the nitty-gritty part of the test. See image (right) for potted results.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

At-a-glance results

Bridgestone Continental Michelin
Wet braking 100.0 103.8 102.7
Straight aquaplaning 100.0 89.6 90.5
Curved aquaplaning 100.0 96.7 85.9
Wet cornering 100.0 99.6 98.3
Wet handling 100.0 100.5 98.2
Dry braking 100.0 107.3 101.9
Dry handling 100.0 100.1 98.9
Interior noise 67.9dB 67.3dB 67.7dB
Rolling resistance 100.0 80.1 89.9
Price £115 £117 £122
Final score 100.0 99.9 98.0
- Advertisement -